Though a longtime Miami institution, Joe's appearance and ambience are surprisingly nonconformist--lots of dark wood and gleaming brass, black-and-white tile and plush banquettes. It is the best, best, best for stone crabs, but you will have a wait time for as long as 2 hours at times. I suggest that you call ahead of time to see what the wait time is. Starters include the chopped salad (a blend of feta, veggies and honey-roasted nuts in a light vinaigrette), groaningly rich creamed spinach or hash browns so good you could rename the place after them. Although there are steaks, poultry and other seafood, the stone crab claws taste cleanly and sweetly of the sea and need only a bit of Joe's famous mustard sauce. Though most entrees are under $20, stone crabs don't come so cheap. A single serving ranges from $20 for medium-sized specimens to $50 for jumbo claws about the size of a baby's arm.

This South Beach institution has been serving the best stone crabs on earth since 1913, long before South Beach was a hotspot. Joe's, according to the Zagat Survey, is Miami's #1 Most Popular restaurant, and for good reason. It is only open from October until Mother's Day and, during this period, serves 200 tons of stone crabs. The key lime pie is also the real thing. Be prepared to wait (or, in typical Miami fashion, discreetly slip some cash to the maitre'd -- we aren't kidding). Otherwise, the lines are shortest around 5 pm. Reservations are not accepted.

Though a longtime Miami institution, Joe's appearance and ambience are surprisingly nonconformist--lots of dark wood and gleaming brass, black-and-white tile and plush banquettes. Starters include the chopped salad (a blend of feta, veggies and honey-roasted nuts in a light vinaigrette), groaningly rich creamed spinach or hash browns so good you could rename the place after them. Although there are steaks, poultry and other seafood, the stone crab claws taste cleanly and sweetly of the sea and need only a bit of Joe's famous mustard sauce.